The meaning of life has been debated since humans developed a conscience and ability to ask the question “why?”. Religions such as Hinduism and Christianity prioritise being a good person and having good karma or getting into heaven as the meaning of life- but does that apply to all? Some Christians believe that anybody can get into heaven as long as they’ve been a good person, however, some argue that you can only achieve heaven if you are in fact a Christian. But the question still remains- is there a “universal”meaning of life?

By “universal” I mean “applies to everyone”, or “applies to everything that’s alive”. If, however, you say that everyone’s meaning of life is to “find love” or “start a family” you are immediately excluding those who identify as aromantic or asexual and those who cannot reproduce or never found love. It is impossible to find a meaning that fits everyone without “painting everyone with the same brush”. This includes plants and animals because surely the meaning life must apply to everything that is alive?

In my opinion, the “universal” meaning of life is to strive to create your own. I don’t personally believe that there is a meaning to life, I don’t think that there has to be. Despite this, however, I don’t think people should “sit on their hands” and wait for the meaning of life to hit them in the face because they’ll realise it will never come. I believe that you must be who you want, because in the end it’s your life, you are in control. Make it how you like it.